Graduating high school seniors who show fluency in more than one language are getting a “seal of approval” from New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) and other districts around the state — and, thanks to a new partnership with Southern, earning up to 6 college credits at the university because of it.
The Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy was awarded to 176 NHPS graduates on June 4, marking the importance of breaking language barriers in our increasingly global economy.
“Being bilingual or multilingual is a superpower that boosts your college applications and career prospects,” said Nilvio Perez, director of first-year admissions at Southern, who served as the event’s keynote. He encouraged graduates to add the credential to “applications, resumes, and portfolios” and “mention it in interviews to stand out.”
“Your language skills help others feel comfortable and confident, and you can support them in advocating for themselves and their families,” he advised.
Of note, these students will also enter Southern with 6 college credits toward the university’s language requirement – a benefit that Southern-bound students Gladys Genovez and Samia Jimenez have embraced.
Jimenez said it “feels like another door has opened,” expressing that she felt closer to her Ecuadoran roots during the June 4 celebration.
“A lot of the people that came here tonight are mostly immigrant families, so a lot of them had to come while very young, or they didn’t finish their education, so they didn’t get that experience of being celebrated,” Jimenez said. “So I think it’s really important for parents to feel that joy.”
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